Susanna Rowson's Charlotte Temple Analysis

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Susanna Rowson’s Charlotte Temple serves as a warning to her “dear girls”, for she knows the idea of love will result in heartbroken victims, as “it is now past the days of romance” for them (Rowson 29). Her hope is that by presenting this story, young women will be made aware of the dangers, which are closer to home than they would like to believe. Rowson highlights the importance that women of this time period must make rational, mature decisions, which are strongly guided by “paternal approbation”, by showing her readers the downfall of the once pure and innocent Charlotte (Rowson 29). The emphasis on Charlotte’s righteous parents is important, as it shows that if a young woman who emerges from such a strong moral background could so easily